Officials prepare for motor vehicle tax reform changes

those buying from a neighbor or friend will have to take the change into consideration

the new motor vehicle tax reform kicks in on March 1st

The change will only impact new car buyers but the whole process is changing

ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

Dougherty County commissioners are working to make sure residents applying for a new car title are prepared come March 1st, when the new motor vehicle tax reform kicks in. Commissioner John Hayes says at a recent conference, commissioners across the state expressed concern about how the counties will handle the change. "One of the important parts was the fact that staff now will have to determine values, even if they aren't trained to do so and that's going to be a bit of a task, "said Hayes.

Denver Hooten, the Dougherty County Tax Director, says a state assessment table will calculate the vehicle value for clerks. Staffs have been attending classes to make sure they're up to speed."They're going to be asking questions they've never had to ask before and when someone brings in their title work, they're going to have to look at it and make sure that the 6.5% is calculated properly," said Hooten.

Starting March 1st, new car buyers will have to pay that one time 6.5% tax for the title. This replaces the annual "birthday tax." Car shoppers will no longer have to pay sales tax at the dealership and the savings should offset the cost of the title ad valorem tax. But those buying from a neighbor or friend will have to take this change into consideration. Hooten says despite all these changes they don't anticipate any problems, other than a crowd.

"Unfortunately they started it on a Friday, a first of the month, which is absolutely one of our busiest days on a regular basis so this is going to be challenging and we just ask the general public to be patient with us," said Hooten. Commission chairman Jeff Sinyard says in addition to being patient, folks should also be informed.

"Education is the key it's so important right now, we just don't want our citizens to not be aware of this change," said Sinyard. Sinyard says understanding the new tax will prevent any confusion along with unwanted surprises. Lawmakers are still tweaking the current bill.